Fadnavis Reveals Pune Lost ₹6,007 Cr to Cyber Fraud in 2024, Topping Maharashtra

Report by The Newsage Pune.

Pune Tops in Maharashtra, Reporting the Highest Number of Cyber Fraud and Crime Cases

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Assembly that Pune recorded ₹6,007 crore in cyber fraud losses in 2024, the highest in Maharashtra. However, police clarified that ₹5,561 crore stemmed from two major GST frauds, reducing the actual cyber fraud amount to ₹446 crore, lower than Mumbai's ₹888 crore.

CM Devendra Fadnavis revealed in the Assembly the actual amount of money lost to cyber fraud in Pune. Police clarified that majority of the amount rose from two major GST frauds, which was still lower than the cases reported in Mumbai. Police Commissioner has ensured that strict action will be taken henceforth, and online users must observe online safety rules.

Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar emphasized quick response efforts to freeze fraudsters' bank accounts and improve investigative training. Experts blame lack of public awareness and slow coordination with banks and telecom firms for rising scams.

To combat cyber-crime, 50 cyber police stations have been set up, along with Pune's Center of excellence in Digital Forensics. The government is also working on a semi-automated system to speed up investigations.